Clinton’s Princess Laundromat has been forced to temporarily close its doors to customers as its owners deal with the aftermath of a senseless and brazen break in that happened on the night of Sunday, Jan. 14.

Many of the laundromat’s coin-operated washer and dryer machines were damaged when intruders struck the coin insert pieces of the equipment using what appeared to be heavy tools, attempting to release the coinage inside. The drums and interiors of the machines remained intact.

It is believed that the break in happened sometime after the laundromat was closed at its regular time on the Sunday evening.

The owners were informed the following morning after a regular Monday customer arrived to find the damage. Alarmed by the scene, she immediately called the local OPP.

Princess Laundromat is a local laundry facility that has been in operation, serving Clinton and the surrounding area, for just under 20 years.

The incident has prompted a police investigation and the laundromat is closed to the public until further notice while management takes steps to recover.

The amount the vandals made off with and the total value of damages incurred by the business is being withheld, although preliminary reports suggest the quarter thieves caused more damage for what the proceeds were worth.

Preliminary reports suggest the quarter thieves caused more damage for what the proceeds were worth.

The laundromat will be closed for the next while as repairs are done and refurbishment is completed.

The owners would like to thank everyone for their patronage and hopes to restore the business to good working condition soon.

“We are very grateful to provide a laundromat service for Clinton and the community. We want people know that after assessing the damages and costs of equipment, Princess Laundromat will attempt to move forward.”

Any person with information regarding this incident should immediately contact Huron OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or (519) 524-8314.

Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.